Sunday, July 21, 2013

I know we have been a little slack about posting daily for National Ice Cream Month. A lot has changed over the years from when we started this blog and we wish we could post more often -- but alas, it is what it is. But we aren't going to get away without posting a wish of a very happy National Ice Cream Day and a thank you and shout out to Ronald Reagan for recognizing the goodness of ice cream!

A very mini version of the raspberry shortcake!

How did you celebrate?

I celebrated yesterday with my annual ice cream party. With two kids under three, this party has gotten a lot more mellow than years past and I only made about fifteen flavors. I bought some and guests brought some -- both homemade and store bought -- and there was more than enough for everyone! I hope to post soon some recipes and new favorite store bought flavors.

Today I celebrated with the company of dear friends and a dish of raspberry shortcake: Bisquick (the "quick" was key!) shortcakes, raspberries freshly picked from mom and dad's garden, homemade violet ice cream (recipe to follow soon!), and local whipped cream. A perfect treat on a perfect day.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Does your favorite city make the list? This Travel & Leisure article on America's Best Cities For Ice Cream comes out with perfect timing as we all travel the country this summer and making stops at all the best local ice cream shops. I was pleasantly surprised to see that my own state capital almost made #1. Sadly I have to admit I was surprised at how well it ranked but really I am always testing ice cream on the go and through our travels. Makes you realize how you really don't take advantage of what's on your own front doorstep sometimes. Oh well, now gives me a good excuse to hit my own big city for a scoop. Oh and I got so excited about PVD being on the list that I originally never made it further down the list and was even more excited to see our own Beantown made #8....this I have to agree on. Between Toscanini's, Christina's, Emack & Bolio, and JP Licks Boston really has many scoop shops that rank high on our own list.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Way back in October or November I got samples from the New Orleans Ice Cream Company. Then I had a baby. Then it was the middle of winter and even though I am a New Englander who likes ice cream year round, I thought it would be more appropriate to write about it in the spring when people really started to get in the mood for ice cream. Though I might argue that with NOICC's unique flavors, you'd probably be in the mood year round.

I have to say of the samples I received my favorite was by far the Baked Alaska (vanilla bean ice cream with meringue pieces, strawberries, cake pieces, and meringue swirl -- what's not to love?) In fact, I was a little bummed it was also my dad's favorite because we kind of had to fight over it!

Some of the other flavors were a bit more intense for me and made me realize I wasn't probably the best tester because I don't like alcohol flavors or coffee flavors too much, but the good thing is that I have great friends and family who are much bigger fans of alcohol and coffee and they were more than willing to try these flavors for me.

In fact, one couple we had over tried some of the ice cream and walked off with the Cajun Rum and Raisin, the Brandy Milk Punch, and the Mississippi Debris. (Although I have to say, I was hesitant to let that Mississippi Debris go -- it was a a close second, full of everything and anything chocolate...)

My mom loved the Coffee and Chicory and the Chocolate City. I knew I wouldn't be a fan of the Coffee and Chicory, since I don't like coffee, but I was disappointed to taste coffee in the Chocolate City, which gave no indication in it's description that it too contained coffee and chicory. (For those of you wondering what chicory is, as I was, basically chicory has a similar flavor to coffee and is used as a coffee flavoring or as a coffee substitute.) Nonetheless, my mom was delighted in both flavors as she loves coffee and chocolate.

The Red Velvet Cake was one I really wanted to like, and while the description sounded so promising, there was something in the flavor that just wasn't working for me. The only thing I could think was the creole cream cheese ice cream.

The Toasted Coconut was light and yummy, but nothing as unique and outstanding as some of the other flavors in their line up. (Though the Toasted Coconut did come in their unique limited edition packaging done by a local artist, I believe, which made it stand out...)

A freezer case full of New Orleans Ice Cream Co.Oh to be so lucky to have this near me...

Would I buy from the again? Yes, in a heartbeat.* The ice cream is rich and creamy, not at all icy. And this company has got to have the most unique flavors of cartoned ice cream I am aware of. In fact, I have a list of flavors I want to try: Lemon Doberge Cake, Mardi Gras Pie, Peach Melba, and Satsuma Dreamsicle. As well as have a taste of my heavenly Baked Alaska again.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

If you're like me, you are off to a Fourth of July dinnertime picnic and you still haven't made dessert. And it's hot!

No worries! Here's a list of recipes that look pretty promising! Some are quick and easy, others you might want to start thinking about for next years' Fourth. On the otherhand, this Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Floats recipe is a quick trip to the store on the way to your party and the rehearsed: "Sorry I couldn't assemble these in advance, but you know, it's ice cream and it would melt..." You are all set!

But what I think is even awesomer (is that a word?!) is this graphic that the WP also shared on how to make ice cream. I need to make a poster of this and plaster it in my kitchen. No matter how long you've been churning this is an awesome go-to for tips and tricks. Enjoy!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Who makes this stuff up. We don't but are glad they exist. So yesterday apparently was National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day and we missed it:( I think we were too excited about it being the first day of National Ice Cream Month. Well we here have no shortage of creative ice cream flavors. If you've read any of our past posts about Bethany's famous annual ice cream party you'd know that she has lots of fun with her flavors and always surprise us with some odd ones...like Duck Sauce Fortune Cookie ice cream. Ummm...sorry B....this might not top my list but the Cake Batter ice cream was delish :)

Monday, July 1, 2013

Ah...the day of the year we look forward to every year...the kickoff to National Ice Cream month! So the past years we've made a commitment to post every day of this oh so important month. This year might be a little different since its been a busy year for us. We've welcomed a fourth child to the Scoopalicious family, a new house and a new (ok its almost a year but still feels overwhelmingly new) job. So between the two of us we'll be doing our best to bring you lots of ice cream news, recipes, and fun all month long.

Definitely check us out on our Social Media sites....we are loving Facebook since we can write quick posts packed with lots of info so Like our FB page and stay in touch there. We also have a new found love in Pinterest so if you are looking for a great recipe to bring to your next summer party definitely check out the Scoopalicious Pinterest board.

And if anything...have an awesome National Ice Cream month and eat lots of ice cream!